Cancer survivor finds joy saving strays
Duo awarded by SPCA Selangor for their passion to save animals
KUALA LUMPUR: Rescuing stray cats and dogs over the last five years has made cancer survivor Chan Yoke Kin a very happy and content person.
Chan’s passion for saving animals has been so profound that she was awarded the “Most Active Stray Free Selangor Rescuer” by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) Selangor, together with Faye Wong.
They have rescued more than 400 cats and dogs under Stray Free Selangor since April this year.
“Initially, I started feeding stray cats but soon realised that neutering them is the best way as there are just too many,” said Chan.
The 53-year-old said she rescued more cats as it was harder to find a shelter for dogs.
“Canines are harder to be adopted as compared to cats. Also, cats are smaller and easier to care for,” she said.
But the mother of two said local authorities would catch the dogs that they had rescued and neutered.
“It is frustrating,” she said, adding that it was a challenge as local councils charged a high fee to release a canine.
“Also, whenever I manage to rescue a few dogs, I will get stopped by police for overloading,” she claimed.
Chan said she would continue with her efforts for the rest of her life.
“My grown-up sons also help me care for these animals,” she said.
Chan revealed that she kept the strays in an empty compound near her house.
“I have about 50 cats and 40 dogs under my care now,” she said.
As for Wong, 49, she said she picked up the habit of rescuing dogs and cats from her parents.
“I took pity on cats as they can give birth four times a year.
“After two weeks of giving birth, they can reproduce again,” she said.
The two were acknowledged during an appreciation award ceremony in conjunction with SPCA Selangor’s World Animal Day 2017.
They were among recipients who have con- tributed to improving the lives of animals through proactive and reactive actions.
The guest of honour was Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin.
The Star was also awarded the “Most Supportive Media” at the event with Star Media Group Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai receiving the award.